Photographic payload augmentation device and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A photographic payload augmentation device is provided. The photographic payload augmentation device comprises a ring including a ring body, wherein the ring body comprises a magnetic material, and wherein the ring is configured to mount onto a photographic payload device. The device further includes a plurality of weight units, wherein at least one of the plurality of weight units is magnetically mountable onto the magnetic material of the ring body. The another embodiment, the photographic payload augmentation device comprises a ring including a ring body, wherein the ring comprises a ferromagnetic metal material, and wherein the ring is configured to mount onto a photographic payload device. Further, this embodiment includes a plurality of magnetized weight units, wherein at least one of the plurality of magnetized weight units is magnetically mountable onto the magnetic material of the ring body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/579,171, filed Sep. 23, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,527,227and entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC PAYLOAD AUGMENTATION DEVICE AND METHOD OFUSING SAME, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/796,643, filed Jan. 25, 2019, entitled PHOTOGRAPHICPAYLOAD AUGMENTATION DEVICE, the entirety of both are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to photography equipment: in particular, aphotographic payload augmentation device; and more particularly to aphotographic payload augmentation device adapted to be mounted onto acamera lens so as to maintain gimbal balance following lens changes, aswell as a method of using the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stabilized support systems for photographic payloads, such as a gimbalstabilizer for a camera, need to be balanced before use. There aredozens of styles of gimbals, from 3-axis electronic gimbals, toolder-style STEADICAM vests (The Tiffen Company LLC, Hauppauge, N.Y.),to a GLIDECAM system (Glidecam Industries, Inc., Kingston, Mass.).Importantly, all of these support systems/stabilizers need precisionbalance to work properly. However, if the weight on the gimbal ischanged, such as by changing a lens or another element, the gimbal mustthen be rebalanced. Video camera operators do not always have the timeto rebalance the gimbal during a fast-paced shoot. As a result, theseoperators may compromise their creativity by using only one lens so asto forego the time and effort needed to rebalance the gimbal.

Counterbalance products are available, but they are for very nicheproblems and generally add time and complicate the balancing process.For instance, sometimes a lens is so big and heavy that the cameracannot be physically shifted back far enough to balance the gimbal. Inthis case, there are counterweights that can be added to the back of thecamera to counterbalance the heavy lens. There are also counterbalanceproducts for smart phone gimbals. However, most smart phone gimbalscannot handle a heavier than average load, so a counterbalance is neededin order to keep the gimbal balanced when the phone is in its case orwhen a smart phone lens accessory is added to the smart phone.

Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that allows forpre-balancing different loads and different lenses so as to avoidrebalancing of the gimbal following swapping of the loads/lens. Thepresent invention addresses these as well as other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a photographicpayload augmentation device is used to quickly and easily addcounterweight to photographic lenses for the purpose of balancing acamera system on any stabilized camera support system, including but notlimited to a three-axis gimbal, a two-axis gimbal, a STEAD ICAM, aGLIDECAM or an unmanned autonomous vehicle (i.e., a UAV or drone). Thephotographic payload augmentation device may thus make it possible forphotographers and videographers to swap photographic lenses on astabilized camera support system without the need for rebalancing theentire system, thereby saving time and effort.

In one aspect of the invention, an embodiment of a photographic payloadaugmentation device is made from a flexible material, such as but notlimited to natural rubber or a synthetic rubber like silicone. Theflexible material also stretches to fit around a number of photographiclens sizes (or any other object that requires precision balancing). Thephotographic payload augmentation device features a number ofspaces/recesses around its circumference within which small weights maybe selectively placed in order to achieve precision balance. The weightsmay be held in place through friction and/or the aid of a lip on thedevice. The device holds each weight in place securely so that theentire device may be removed and reapplied quickly and easily. Anindicator may be located on the device to assist proper alignment andorientation of the device when being installed on the lens. The device'ssize, number of recesses for weights, materials used, and the size andmaterial of the weights themselves may vary depending on the balancingapplication. As a result, the photographic payload augmentation deviceenables a user to modify a plurality of photographic lenses so as toequilibrate their center of gravity, whereby any lens may be mountedonto the camera while the gimbal remains balanced.

In a further aspect of the present invention, weights may also be placedaround the outside of the photographic payload augmentation device usinga number of methods, such as but not limited to clips, magnetism, orusing the existing recesses for weights. The outer surface of the ringmay be textured for grip, but may also be smooth or geared for use withother photographic accessories, including but not limited to a followfocus. In additional embodiments, the outside of the device may allowfor writing using a dry erase marker. The device may also have cut-outsto allow the user to access lens controls that may be otherwiseinaccessible due to placement of the photographic payload augmentationdevice on the lens.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, whenusing an embodiment of the photographic payload augmentation device, theuser places a first camera system and lens on a stabilized camerasupport system. The user then positions the photographic payloadaugmentation device around the barrel of a lens or lens hood of a secondphotographic lens. The second photographic lens with photographicpayload augmentation device is then mounted onto the stabilized camerasupport system with weights being selectively added to the photographicpayload augmentation device until the camera support system isrebalanced. The user may then repeat this process with any number oflenses, with each lens having its own dedicated photographic payloadaugmentation device. When finished, the user may then swap lenses easilywithout the need for rebalancing of the camera support system.

It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to provide aphotographic payload augmentation device comprising a ring defining aring body configured to mount onto a photographic payload device. Thering body defines a plurality of recesses therein. Also included is aplurality of weight plugs wherein at least one respective weight plug ofthe plurality of weight plugs is selectively removably insertable withinat least one respective recess of the plurality of recesses. The ringbody may include an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, a top face and abottom face, and may be cylindrically shaped. Each recess of theplurality of recesses is defined by a recess sidewall and terminates ata bottom wall located intermediate the top face and the bottom face. Thering body may still further define a plurality of apertures wherein arespective aperture is located between respective recess sidewalls ofadjacent recesses of the plurality of recesses. The bottom wall may alsodefine a plurality of slots wherein a respective slot communicates witha respective recess of the plurality of recesses.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the at least onerespective weight plug is secured within the at least one respectiverecess via a friction fit. The at least one respective weight plug mayalso sit flush with or slightly below the top face of the ring body wheninserted within the at least one respective recess. Each weight plug maycomprise any suitable natural and/or synthetic material. By way ofexample and without limitation thereto, weight plugs may comprise ametal, such as lead, steel, aluminum or tungsten and their alloys; apolymeric material, such as a thermoplastic including withoutlimitation, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or polyether blockamide (PEBA); and composites comprising any combination of the above.The ring body may be fabricated from natural rubber or a syntheticelastomer such as, for example, one or more of silicone, polybutadiene,polychloropene, polyisobutylene and poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene)rubber.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the photographicpayload augmentation device may further include an external weightadaptor. The external weight adaptor may comprise a plug portiondimensioned to be received within a selected recess. A flange may have afirst end releasably coupled to the plug portion and a second endfixedly coupled to a weight mount. One or more weight units may bereleasably mounted on the weight mount.

In another aspect, the present invention may provide for a method forenabling swapping of lenses on a photographic payload device mounted ona stabilized support system. The method may comprise: a) mounting aphotographic payload device having a first lens on the stabilizedsupport system; b) adjusting the stabilized support system to balancethe photographic payload device and first lens; c) locking thestabilized support system balance; d) removing the first lens from thephotographic payload device; e) mounting a photographic payloadaugmentation device onto a second lens, wherein the photographic payloadaugmentation device comprises a ring defining a ring body having aplurality of recesses therein; f) mounting the second lens withphotographic payload augmentation device onto the photographic payloaddevice; and g) selectively inserting at least one respective weight plugof a plurality of weight plugs within at least one respective recess ofthe plurality of recesses of the photographic payload augmentationdevice until the photographic payload device and second lens arerebalanced on the stabilized support system.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the method may furthercomprise repeating steps d) through g) for each additional lens mountedonto the photographic payload device. Additionally, step e) may becompleted any time prior to step g).

In still another aspect of the present invention, a photographic payloadaugmentation device comprises a ring including a ring body configured tomount onto a photographic payload device. A magnetic material isassociated with the ring body. Also included is a plurality of weightunits. At least one of the plurality of weight units is magneticallymountable onto the magnetic material.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention, a photographic payloadaugmentation device comprises a ring including a ring body. The ringcomprises a ferromagnetic material and the ring is configured to mountonto a photographic payload device. A plurality of magnetized weightunits is also included. At least one of the plurality of magnetizedweight units is magnetically mountable onto the magnetic material of thering body.

In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention mayprovide for a method for enabling swapping of lenses on a photographicpayload device mounted on a stabilized support system, the methodcomprises: a) mounting a photographic payload device having a first lenssystem on the stabilized support system; b) adjusting the stabilizedsupport system to balance the photographic payload device and first lenssystem; c) locking the stabilized support system balance; d) removingthe first lens system from the photographic payload device; e) mountinga second lens system onto the photographic payload device; f) mounting aphotographic payload augmentation device onto the second lens system;and g) selectively mounting at least one weight unit to the photographicpayload augmentation device until the photographic payload deviceincluding the second lens system is rebalanced on the stabilized supportsystem.

Additional aspects, advantages and novel features of the presentinvention will be set forth in part in the description which follows,and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of theinvention, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are tobe read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals areemployed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary stabilized support system with a mountedphotographic payload;

FIG. 2 is the exemplary stabilized support system shown in FIG. 1 with asecond mounted photographic payload equipped with a photographic payloadaugmentation device in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a photographic payloadaugmentation device in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of a portion of the photographic payloadaugmentation device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the photographic payloadaugmentation device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the photographic payloadaugmentation device shown in FIG. 3 with an external weight adapter inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an expanded exploded view of the photographic payloadaugmentation device with external weight adapter shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for swapping photographicpayloads using the photographic payload augmentation device inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an exemplary lens swap using the exemplarymethod shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thephotographic payload augmentation device in accordance with at least oneaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe photographic payload augmentation device in accordance with at leastone aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the photographic payload augmentation device in accordancewith at least one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic of any of the photographic payload augmentationdevices described herein mounted to a camera accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary stabilized supportsystem 100 with mounted photographic payload 102. By way of example andwithout limitation thereto, stabilized support system 100 may be athree-axis gimbal, a two-axis gimbal, a STEADICAM, a GLIDECAM, anunmanned autonomous vehicle, or other suitable device. Furthermore,photographic payload 102 may be, for example and without limitationthereto, a cinema/movie camera, a video camera, a digital single lensreflex (DSLR) camera, a single lens reflex camera (SLR), a mirrorlesscamera or a point-and-shoot camera. For the sake of clarity, in thefollowing discussion stabilized support system 100 may be referred to asgimbal 100 while photographic payload 102 will be referred to as camera102. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, camera 102is a DSLR camera which allows for switching of lenses 103, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Returning to FIG. 1, exemplary gimbal 100 is a three-axis gimbalallowing for pan, tilt and roll control. To that end, gimbal 100includes a camera mount 104 upon which is secured camera 102. Cameramount 104 is pivotally mounted within tilt control arm 106 which enablesrotation about the x-axis (i.e., tilt), such as via tilt adjuster 108.Tilt control arm 106 is pivotally coupled to gimbal frame 110, such asvia a roll adjuster 112, so as to enable rotation about the z-axis(i.e., roll). A handle bar 114 may be pivotally coupled to the opposingend of gimbal frame 110, such as via pan adjuster 116, so as to enablerotation about the y-axis (i.e., pan). Handle bar 114 may includehandles 118 at each end for grasping during use. Before camera 102mounted on gimbal 100 can be used, gimbal 100 must be balanced so thatcamera 102 does not tilt forwards/backwards or leftwards/rightwardswithin gimbal 100. To balance gimbal 100, the location of camera 102 isadjusted via pan adjuster 116, tilt adjuster 108, and roll adjuster 112until the camera remains steady within the gimbal when the gimbal ismoved.

It should be noted that while gimbal 100 is shown as a two-handled,three-axis unit, there are a number of alternative gimbals available inthe marketplace. As will be discussed in greater detail below,photographic payload augmentation device 130 of the present invention,shown in FIGS. 2-5, may be used with any gimbal unit to equal effect.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, an embodiment of photographic payloadaugmentation device 130 in accordance with the present inventiongenerally comprises a ring 132 having a ring body 134 configured tomount onto photographic payload device (camera) 102 (see FIG. 2). Forthe sake of clarity, photographic payload augmentation device 130 willbe referred to herein as a cylindrically shaped ring, although it shouldbe noted that other shapes may be used depending upon the shape of theintended substrate (photographic payload device), such as for example, agenerally rectangular smart phone, and that such additionalshapes/structures are to be considered within the teachings of thepresent disclosure. In accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention, ring body 134 is adapted to stretch and retract so as toaccommodate lenses of varying diameters. Ring body 134 may be fabricatedfrom an elastomeric material, such as but not limited to natural rubberor a synthetic elastomer. Exemplary, non-limiting synthetic elastomersinclude one or more of silicone, polybutadiene, polychloropene,polyisobutylene and poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) rubber.

With reference to FIG. 3, ring body 134 defines a plurality of recesses136 therein. Accordingly, ring body 134 may include an inner sidewall138, outer sidewall 140, a top face 142 and a bottom face 144. Inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention, successive recesses136 are arranged generally equidistant one another along top face 142around the circumference of ring body 134. While each recess 136 maycomprise a through-bore extending throughout ring body 134 from top face142 to bottom face 144, in one aspect of the present invention, eachrecess 136 of the plurality of recesses may be defined by a recesssidewall 146 which terminates at a bottom wall 148 located intermediatetop face 142 and bottom face 144 of ring body 134. In a further aspectof the present invention, bottom wall 148 may define a plurality ofslots 150 wherein a respective slot 150′ communicates with a respectiverecess 136′ (see FIG. 5). To assist flexing and stretching of ring 130,ring body 134 may include a plurality of apertures 152 extendingtherethrough from top face 142 to bottom face 144. Each respectiveaperture 152 may be located between respective recess sidewalls 146 ofadjacent recesses 136.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each recess 136is configured to selectively receive a respective weight plug 154therein. As will be discussed in greater detail below, each respectiveweight plug 154 is selectively removably insertable within a respectiverecess 136′ of the plurality of recesses 136, as indicated by arrow A inFIGS. 3 and 4. In one aspect, each weight plug 154 may be secured withinits respective recess 136 via a friction fit, although other mountingmeans may be used, such as but not limited to magnetism, threadedcoupling or an adhesive. Slots 150, located within bottom wall 148, mayease removal of weight plug 154 from a recess 136 by receiving a tooltherein, such as a finger nail or small screwdriver, so as to push theweight plug 154 out of the recess 136. In a further aspect of thepresent invention, each weight plug 154 is dimensioned so as to sitflush with or slightly below top face 142 of ring body 134 when fullyinserted within its respective recess 136. To minimize the size of ring130 while also providing sufficient weight, weight plugs 154 may befabricated from a dense material such as, but not limited to, anysuitable natural and/or synthetic material. By way of example andwithout limitation thereto, weight plugs may comprise a metal, such aslead, steel, aluminum or tungsten and their alloys; a polymericmaterial, such as a thermoplastic including without limitation, highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) and/or polyether block amide (PEBA); andcomposites comprising any combination of the above.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, ring 130 may be further adapted to includean external weight adaptor 160 for use with lenses that are especiallyheavy or awkward and that cannot be balanced using only weight plugs 154added to ring body 134. To balance such lenses, as discussed in greaterdetail below, external weight adaptor 160 is configured to add weightunits 162 exterior of ring body 134. In accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention, external weight adaptor 160 may include a plugportion 164 which is dimensioned to be received within a selected recess136 within ring body 134. Weight mount 166 may then be coupled to plugportion 164, such as via a flange 168.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 7, flange 168 has a first end 168 a and asecond end 168 b. First end 168 a is releasably coupled to plug portion164, such as via a fastener 170. Fastener 170 may be any suitabledevice, including but not limited to a screw, bolt, pin, and the like.Second end 168 b is fixedly coupled to weight mount 166. One or moreweight units 162 may be releasably mounted to weight mount 166. By wayof example, weight mount 166 may include a threaded portion 166 aadapted to threadably couple with corresponding threaded element 162 aon weight unit 162. As shown, threaded portion 166 a may include femalethreads while threaded element 162 a may be a post with male threads.However, it should be noted that the assignment of the male/femalecouplings may be reversed. Additional weight units 162 may be addedthrough mating coupling of female threads 162 b defined on a firstweight unit 162′ with male threads (not shown) on a second weight unit162″ (see FIG. 6). Again, the assignment of the male/female couplingthreads may be reversed.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a method for enabling swapping oflenses on a photographic payload device mounted on a stabilized supportsystem is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. While the methoddescribed herein specifically makes reference to swapping lenses on aphotographic payload device, it should be understood that this methodalso equally applies to swapping different lens systems on aphotographic payload device. For example, a lens system can include thecombination of a lens and different lens accessories (e.g., swappinglens 1/accessory 1 to lens 1/accessory 2), or different lenses and alens accessory (e.g., lens 1/accessory 1 to lens 2/accessory 1), ordifferent lenses and different lens accessories (e.g., lens 1/accessory1 to lend 2/accessory 2).

Briefly, method 200 may comprise: a) mounting a photographic payloaddevice having a first lens on the stabilized support system (step 202);b) adjusting the stabilized support system to balance the photographicpayload device and first lens (step 204); c) locking the stabilizedsupport system balance (step 206); d) removing the first lens from thephotographic payload device (step 208); e) mounting a photographicpayload augmentation device onto a second lens, wherein the photographicpayload augmentation device comprises a ring defining a ring body havinga plurality of recesses therein (step 210); f) mounting the second lenswith photographic payload augmentation device onto the photographicpayload device (step 212); and g) selectively inserting at least onerespective weight plug of a plurality of weight plugs within at leastone respective recess of the plurality of recesses of the photographicpayload augmentation device until the photographic payload device andsecond lens are rebalanced on the stabilized support system (step 214).In a further aspect of the present invention, steps 208 through 214 ofmethod 200 may be repeated for each additional lens intended to bemounted onto the photographic payload device. Additionally, step 210 maybe completed any time prior to step 214.

Looking more specifically at each step in turn, in step 202,photographic payload device (camera 102) is equipped with a first lens103 a and is mounted onto camera mount 104 of the stabilized supportsystem (gimbal 100). It is likely that gimbal 100 will be out of balancewith the load of camera 102/first lens 103 a added. As a result, gimbal100 will freely rotate about each of the x-, y-, and z-axes (see FIGS. 1and 2) until the center of gravity of the combined camera 102 and lens103 a is balanced on gimbal 100. As shown in FIG. 9 (top drawing), eachof the camera 102 and lens 103 a has its own respective center ofgravity (COG_(C) and COG_(L1), respectively) which combine to define acenter of gravity for the system (COG_(S1)) (shown generally withrespect to the y-z plane). Typically, once camera 102 comes to rest,lens 103 a will be pointed at an unwanted angle relative to gimbal 100axes (e.g., not along the desired z-axis as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; itshould be noted that the desired angle of lens 103 may be selected bythe photographer/videographer and does not necessarily need to be alongthe z-axis). In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, lens103 a is typically the longest and heaviest lens to be used, as thislens will generally have a COG_(L1) which is farthest from COG_(C) ofthe camera.

To correct the positioning of camera 102 and first lens 103 a, gimbal100 is balanced in step 204 using techniques generally known in the art.For instance, tilt adjuster 108, roll adjuster 112 and pan adjuster 116are each manipulated until camera 102 is straight within gimbal 100(i.e., points along z-axis). Once gimbal 100 has been balanced, atoptional step 206, gimbal 100 may be locked to prevent any unwanteddeviations from the balanced settings.

With gimbal 100 balanced, first lens 103 a can be removed from camera102 at step 208. Removal of first lens 103 a shifts the center ofgravity of the camera/lens system (now only camera 102) such that camera102 will tilt backwards and sideways on gimbal 100. Without changing theposition of camera 102 or adjusting the balance of gimbal 100, secondlens 103 b is mounted onto camera 102 at step 212. With reference toFIG. 9 (center drawing), second lens 103 b has its own a center ofgravity COG_(L2), such that the camera/second lens system 102/103 b hasa center of gravity COG_(S2). In a preferred embodiment, COG_(L2) ofsecond lens 103 b is nearer to COG_(C) of camera 102 such that theircombined center of gravity COG_(S2) is nearer COG_(C) of camera 102 anddisplaced a distance delta (Δ) from COG_(S1) of camera/first lens system102/103 a. As a result, camera/second lens system 102/103 b willcontinue to tilt backward and to the side relative to gimbal 100.

To correct for Δ and rebalance gimbal 100, photographic payloadaugmentation device (ring) 130 is mounted onto second lens 103 b (step210), with the combined ring/second lens 130/103 b mounted to camera 102(step 212). It should be noted that step 210 may be conducted before orafter second lens 103 b has been attached to camera 102. Ring 130 issecured around the body of lens 103 b, such as via a friction fit asdescribed above, and may be selectively positioned along thelongitudinal axis L of lens 103 b. In accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention, ring 130 is selectively positioned so as to avoidoverlapping with the focus and zoom rings on lens 103 b since the centerof gravity of ring 130 may change when the focus and/or zoom rings areturned, as will be discussed in greater detail in the followingparagraphs.

With ring 130 mounted onto lens 103 b, which in turn is mounted ontocamera 102, the center of gravity COG_(S2D) of camera/second lens/ring102/103 b/130 may be adjusted by inserting respective weight plugs 154into selected recesses 136 within ring 130 (step 214). Initially, weightplugs 154 are added until gimbal 100 no longer tilts backwards (i.e.lies parallel to x-y plane as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In accordancewith an aspect of the present invention, weight plugs 154 are generallyadded to recesses 136 located along one side of ring 130 (e.g., ifcamera 102 tilts to the left with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, weightplugs 154 are added to the right side of ring 130). If camera 102 beginsto tilt forward (out of the page of FIGS. 1 and 2), too many weightplugs 154 have been added to ring 130. At least one weight plug 154 maybe removed from ring 130 and/or the position of ring 130 on lens 103 bmay be shifted slightly along longitudinal axis L until camera 102 andgimbal 100 are balanced in the x-y plane. By way of example, as shown inFIG. 9 (bottom drawing), ring 130 and weight plugs 154 shift the centerof gravity of second lens 103 b such that their combined center ofgravity, COG_(L2D), equals the center of gravity of first lens 103 a,COG_(L1), and thereby corrects for Δ by shifting the center of gravityof the camera/second lens/ring 102/103 b/130 system, COG_(S2D), suchthat it is equal to the center of gravity of the reference system,COG_(S1).

Once the correct number of weight plugs 154 have been added to ring 130to correct camera 102/gimbal 100 balance in the x-y plane as describedabove, camera 102 is oriented such that second lens 103 b pointsstraight up, i.e., toward handle bar 114 along the y-axis. If the systemis out of balance in the x-z plane, camera 102 will tilt either forwardor backward (i.e., into or out of the page with reference to FIGS. 1 and2). Without adding additional weight plugs 154, those weight plugsalready inserted within ring 130 may relocated within alternativerecesses 136 within ring 130. By way of example, if camera 102 tiltsbackward (into the page of FIGS. 1 and 2), weight plugs 154 from the tophalf of ring 130 are shifted to the bottom half of ring 130. In thismanner, camera/second lens/ring system 102/103 b/130 may be balanced inthe x-z plane. Because no additional weight was added to thecamera/second lens/ring system 102/103 b/130, the system will remainbalanced within the x-y plane. At this point, camera 102 and gimbal 100will remain balanced when interchanging between first lens 103 a andsecond lens/ring 103 b/130.

As indicated by arrow 216, steps 208 through 214 may be repeated foreach additional lens 103 which may be used with camera 102/gimbal 100.It should be further noted that once a set of lenses 103 has been sobalance, this set may be used with any camera/gimbal without requiringbalancing of each individual lens. That is, the new camera and/or gimbalsystem need only be balanced with regards to first lens 103 a. Oncefirst lens 103 a has been balanced, each remaining lens 103 b-103(n)(with its respective ring 130) will also already be in balance. Thus, aphotographer/videographer need only balance a set of lenses once. As aresult, lenses within a balanced set may be quickly and easily swappedduring a shoot, thereby allowing the artist to truly capture his or hervision.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, in accordance with the present invention, afirst alternative embodiment 330 a of photographic payload augmentationdevice is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 while FIG. 12 shows anotheralternative embodiment 330 b. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, photographicpayload augmentation device 330 a is substantially similar tophotographic payload augmentation device 130 and generally comprises aring 332 a having a ring body 334 a configured to mount ontophotographic payload device 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 13). For the sake ofclarity, photographic payload device 102 may include one or more of acamera body 102 a, camera lens 103 or a camera accessory 105, such as,but not limited to, a lens hood, a lens filter holder, a lens filter ora matte box. Ring body 334 a includes one or more of recesses 336 a, andoptionally one or more slots 350 a and/or apertures 352 a, similar torecesses 136, slots 150 and apertures 152 as described above with regardto photographic payload augmentation device 130. Similar to recesses136, recesses 336 a of photographic payload augmentation device 330 aare configured to selectively receive a respective plug 354 a therein.Each plug 354 a may be fabricated from a ferromagnetic material, such asbut not limited to steel.

A respective weight unit, such as a weight unit 356, may then beselectively magnetically mounted to a respective plug 354 a. In thisaspect, the magnetized weight units 356 may be made from a metal, suchas but not limited to, for example, steel or a tungsten alloy magnet)may be mounted to ring body 334 a by being magnetically attracted to theferromagnetic material of plug 354 a. Each weight unit 356 may befabricated in any desirable shape, but in accordance with an aspect ofthe present invention, each weight unit 356 is generally cylindrical andmay define a circular, square, rectangular or oval cross section. Asshown in FIG. 10, a weight unit 356 may be mounted onto planar face 338a of photographic payload augmentation device 330 a by directlycontacting a respective corresponding plug 354 a. Additionally oralternatively, as shown generally in FIG. 11, a weight unit 356 may beindirectly mounted to a respective plug 354 a by attachment tocircumferential edge 340 a of photographic payload augmentation device330 a so long as sufficient magnetic attraction is created between plug354 a and weight unit 356 to maintain the position of weight unit 356 oncircumferential edge 340 a during use.

With reference to FIG. 12, similar to photographic payload augmentationdevices 130, 330 a described above, photographic payload augmentationdevice 330 b generally comprises a ring 332 b having a ring body 334 bconfigured to mount onto photographic payload device 102 (see FIGS. 1and 13). Ring body 334 b may be fabricated as a solid member (withoutany recesses) from any suitable material, such as rubber, polymer orcomposite. Again, for the sake of clarity, photographic payload device102 may include one or more of a camera body 102 a, camera lens 103 or acamera accessory 105, such as, but not limited to, a lens hood, a lensfilter holder, a lens filter or a matte box. Photographic payloadaugmentation device 330 b may be a cylindrically shaped ring which may,without limitation thereto, define one or more of a circular crosssection, a rectangular cross section, a square cross section, or anelliptical cross section.

While ring body 334 b may be adapted to stretch and retract so as toaccommodate photographic payload devices of varying diameters asdescribed above with regard to ring body 134, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention, at least a portion 334 b′ of ring body334 b may also be configured to include a ferromagnetic material 354 b.For example, the ferromagnetic material 354 b may take the form of aferromagnetic metal plate or band 354 b′ that is affixed to an outersurface of ring body 334 b. In another example, ferromagnetic material354 b may be laminated or imbedded within ring body 334 b itself. Itshould be understood that ferromagnetic plate 354 b′ may be a continuousconstruction or may be segmented (made up on multiple pieces) so as toenable expansion/contraction of ring body 334 b. In this aspect, one ormore magnetized weight units 356 (such as, for example, steel or atungsten alloy magnet) may be mounted to ring body 334 b by beingmagnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic material 354 b associatedwith ring body 334 b. In the instance where the ferromagnetic metalplate 354 b′ is used, the one or more magnetized weight units 356 (suchas, for example, a magnetized version of weight plugs 356) may beselectively repositioned on ring body 334 b along the surface offerromagnetic metal plate 354 b′ so as to balance photographic payloaddevice 102 on gimbal 100, as described above.

In the above examples, photographic payload augmentation devices 330 a,330 b have been described as including a ring body 334 a, 334 bincluding a ferromagnetic material 354 a, 354 b, 354 b′ and one or moremagnetized weight units 356 that are configured to be used inconjunction with one another to balance the photographic payload device102 on gimbal 100. However, it should be understood by one skilled inthe art that that material 354 a, 354 b, 354 b′ associated with ringbody 334 a, 334 b may alternatively be a magnetic material which ismagnetically attracted to, and used in conjunction with, one or moreferromagnetic weight units 356 to balance the photographic payloaddevice 102 on gimbal 100.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive nor is it intended to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be modified inlight of the above teachings. The embodiments described are chosen toprovide an illustration of principles of the invention and its practicalapplication to enable thereby one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered exemplary,rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is thatdescribed in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A photographic payload augmentation devicecomprising a ring having a ring body configured to mount onto aphotographic payload device, wherein the photographic payload device isa camera body, camera lens or camera accessory or any combinationthereof, and wherein the ring body defines a plurality of recessestherein, and a plurality of weight plugs, wherein at least onerespective weight plug of the plurality of weight plugs is selectivelyremovably insertable within at least one respective recess of theplurality of recesses.
 2. The photographic payload augmentation devicein accordance with claim 1, wherein the camera accessory is a lens hood,lens filter holder, lens filter or matte box.
 3. A photographic payloadaugmentation device comprising: a ring including a ring body configuredto mount onto a photographic payload device; a magnetic materialassociated with the ring body; and a plurality of weight units, whereinat least one of the plurality of weight units is magnetically mountableonto the magnetic material.
 4. The photographic payload augmentationdevice in accordance with claim 3, wherein the photographic payloaddevice is a camera body, camera lens or camera accessory or anycombination thereof.
 5. The photographic payload augmentation device inaccordance with claim 4, wherein the camera accessory is a lens hood,lens filter holder, lens filter or matte box.
 6. The photographicpayload augmentation device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the ringbody is cylindrically shaped and defines one or more of a circular crosssection, a rectangular cross section, square cross-section, or anelliptical cross section.
 7. The photographic payload augmentationdevice in accordance with claim 3, wherein the magnetic material islaminated or embedded within the ring body. (See claim 11)
 8. Thephotographic payload augmentation device in accordance with claim 3,wherein the ring body defines a plurality of recesses therein andwherein the magnetic material comprises a plurality of plugs, wherein atleast one respective plug of the plurality of plugs is selectivelyremovably insertable within at least one respective recess of theplurality of recesses and wherein the at least one of the plurality ofweight units is directly or indirectly magnetically mountable to the atleast one respective plug along a circumferential edge or a planar faceof the ring body.
 9. The photographic payload augmentation device inaccordance with claim 3, wherein the magnetic material is a magneticplate mounted to the ring body.
 10. A photographic payload augmentationdevice comprising: a ring including a ring body, wherein the ringcomprises a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the ring is configuredto mount onto a photographic payload device; and a plurality ofmagnetized weight units, wherein at least one of the plurality ofmagnetized weight units is magnetically mountable onto the magneticmaterial of the ring body.
 11. The photographic payload augmentationdevice in accordance with claim 10, wherein the ferromagnetic materialis a ferromagnetic metal plate, plug or band coupled with the ring body.12. The photographic payload augmentation device in accordance withclaim 10, wherein the ferromagnetic material is laminated, inserted orimbedded within ring body.
 13. The photographic payload augmentationdevice in accordance with claim 10, wherein the photographic payloaddevice is a camera body, camera lens or camera accessory, or anycombination thereof.
 14. The photographic payload augmentation device inaccordance with claim 13, wherein the camera accessory is a lens hood,lens filter holder, lens filter or matte box.
 15. The photographicpayload augmentation device in accordance with claim 10, wherein thering body is cylindrically shaped and defines one or more of a circularcross section, a rectangular cross section, square cross-section, or anelliptical cross section.
 16. A method for enabling swapping of lenseson a photographic payload device mounted on a stabilized support system,the method comprising: a) mounting a photographic payload device havinga first lens system on the stabilized support system; b) adjusting thestabilized support system to balance the photographic payload device andfirst lens system; c) locking the stabilized support system balance; d)removing the first lens system from the photographic payload device; e)mounting a second lens system onto the photographic payload device; f)mounting a photographic payload augmentation device onto the second lenssystem; and g) selectively mounting at least one weight unit to thephotographic payload augmentation device until the photographic payloaddevice including the second lens system is rebalanced on the stabilizedsupport system.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 16 wherein themethod further comprises: h) repeating steps d) through g) for eachadditional lens mounted onto the photographic payload device.
 18. Themethod in accordance with claim 16 wherein the photographic payloadaugmentation device includes a ferromagnetic material, wherein the atleast one weight unit is magnetized, and wherein the step of selectivelymounting the at least one weight unit to the photographic payloadaugmentation device includes magnetically attracting the at least onemagnetized weight to the ferromagnetic material.
 19. The method inaccordance with claim 16 wherein the photographic payload augmentationdevice includes a magnetic material, wherein the at least one weightunit is formed of a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the step ofselectively mounting the at least one weight unit to the photographicpayload augmentation device includes magnetically attracting the atleast one weight to the magnetic material.